Rhode Island House passed World Cup bill for extended bar hours

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a bill that could allow bars and restaurants to stay open later during select matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo, would give cities and towns the option to temporarily extend service hours during certain World Cup games.

Under the proposal, local licensing boards could allow a bar or restaurant with an existing liquor license to remain open until as late as 4:00 a.m. during qualifying matches between June 11 and July 3, 2026. Alcohol service could continue until 3:00 a.m.

The bill would not require municipalities to extend those hours. Instead, it would give local officials the ability to decide whether extended hours make sense in their communities.

Giraldo said the World Cup presents a major opportunity for Rhode Island businesses because of the large number of visitors expected to travel to the region.

Several World Cup matches are scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium, which will operate as “Boston Stadium” during the international tournament. Officials estimate the event could generate more than $330 million in economic activity for Rhode Island while bringing nearly one million visitors to the greater Providence area.

The measure now advances to the Senate, where lawmakers will consider companion legislation.